Family Holidays: 40 Cheap Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam might be known for its unusual nightlife and lenient laws, but it’s not all red lights and herbal coffee shops in this Dutch destination.

From a mecca of museums and historical gems to a variety of outdoor endeavours, there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy – and they won’t cost a boatload either.

Here’s our list of the top 40 family friendly ideas to try in Amsterdam that won’t break the bank.

Museums

1. Amsterdam Museum (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 357 – 1012 RM)
This museum tells of the city’s rich history featuring local art, archaeology and other artefacts – some of which date back to the 13th century.
Price: From € 5-10 (Children under 5 are free)
http://www.amsterdammuseum.nl/

2. Anne Frank’s House (Prinsengracht 267 – 1016 GV)
See the historical papers, photos, films and knick knacks from where Jewish icon Anne Frank spent her days in hiding during World War II.
Price: From € 0.50-9.50
http://www.annefrank.org/

3. Het Scheepvaartmuseum/The National Maritime Museum (Kattenburgerplein 1 – 1018 KK)
This museum demonstrates the significance of the city’s coastline and the impact the sea has made on Dutch culture.
Price: From € 7.50-15 (Children under 5 are free)
http://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl/

4. Joods Historisch Museum/Jewish Historical Museum (Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1 – 1011 PL)
Modern collection showing the deep historical and cultural roots of Jews in the Netherlands.
Price: From € 3-12 (Children under 6 are free)
http://www.joodscultureelkwartier.nl

5. Rijksmuseum (Jan Luijkenstraat 1 – 1071 CJ)
The largest museum in the country, this iconic building houses a wide range of Dutch history and art from the Middle Ages to modern day.
Price: From € 7.50-15 (Under 18s are free)
http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/

6. Van Gogh Museum (Paulus Potterstraat 7 – 1071 CX)
Founded in 1973, this museum is one of the world’s most popular and features more than 200 of the late artist’s paintings.
Price: From € 15 (Under 18s are free)
http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp?lang=nl

7. Verzetsmuseum/Dutch Resistance Museum (Plantage Kerklaan 61 – 1018 CX)
This museum holds all the details surrounding the country’s resistance to enter WWII from 1940 to 1945.
Price: From € 4.50-8 (Children under 7 are free)
http://www.verzetsmuseum.org

8. Tropenmuseum Junior (Linnaeusstraat 2 – 1092 CK)
Located in the city’s Oosterpark, this children’s museum introduces the little ones to different cultures around the world via a range of displays and activities.
Price: From € 8-12 (Children under 4 are free)
http://www.tropenmuseum.nl

9. De Kattenkabinet/The Cat Cabinet Museum (Herengracht 497 – 1017 BT)
Ideal for cat-lovers, this vast collection of works captures the significance of the felines in art and society throughout the centuries.
Price: From € 3-6 (Children under 4 are free)
http://www.kattenkabinet.nl/

10. Stedelijk Museum/Modern Art Museum (Museumplein 10 – 1071 DJ)
One of the country’s most prominent places for contemporary art, the Stedelijk houses a range of both national and international works.
Price: From € 2.50-15
http://www.stedelijk.nl/en

Green spaces

11. Hortus Botanicus/Botanical Gardens (Plantage Middenlaan 2A – 1018 DD)
The city’s largest botanical gardens, originally established in 1638.
Price: €4.50-8.50 (Children under 5 are free)
http://dehortus.nl/

12. Rembrandtpark (Orteliuskade 57 – 1057 AL)
A park towards the west of the city, which is home to Amsterdam’s oldest petting zoo.
Price: Free entry
http://rembrandtpark.org/wp/

13. Sarphatipark (Sarphatipark – 1072 PB)
A park in the heart of the city near Amsterdam’s biggest market Albert Cuyp, which features a playground, fountain and pond.
Price: Free entry

14. Vondelpark (Vondelpark – 1071 AA)
The city’s most popular park, which includes a number of restaurants and cafés, a skate hire shop, an open-air theatre and an extensive rose garden.
Price: Free entry
http://www.hetvondelpark.net/

15. Amstelpark (Arent Janszoon Ernststraat 1 – 1082 LT)
A large park situated towards the south of the city, which also has a gallery and petting zoo.
Price: Free entry
http://www.speeltuin-amstelpark.nl/

16. Flevopark (Kramatweg – 1095 KD)
A large park on Amsterdam’s east side, which has a spacious outdoor swimming area.
Price: Free entry
http://www.flevopark.nl/

17. Gaasperplas Park (Amsteldijk Noord 55 – 1183 TE Amstelveen)
A large nature reserve with a campsite in Amstelveen (a nearby suburb of Amsterdam) which offers canoeing, towing, sailing and windsurfing in its watersports centre.
Price: Free entry

18. Oosterpark (Oosterpark – 1092 AT)
A spacious park in Amsterdam Oost (East) with walking trails, ponds and streams.
Price: Free entry

19. Keukenhof Gardens (Stationsweg 166-A, 2161 AM Lisse)
Located in nearby Lisse, this lush space is home to the world’s largest flower gardens.
Price: €5.50-15 (Children under 4 are free)
http://www.keukenhof.nl/

20. Westerpark (Westerpark – 1014 DA)
A scenic park in the heart of Amsterdam West.
Price: Free entry

21. Park Frankendael (Middenweg 72 – 1097 BS)
The only remaining 17th-century country estate in Amsterdam.
Price: Free
http://www.park-frankendael.nl/

Markets

22. Albert Cuypmarkt (Albert Cuypstraat/Ferdinand Bolstraat – 1072 LL)
The city’s biggest and busiest street market.
Price: Free entry

23. Antiekmarkt Amsterdam (Elandsgracht 109 – 1016 TT)
The city’s largest antique market.
Price: Free entry

24. Art Plein Spui (Spui Plein, 1012 WZ)
The city’s largest art market.
Price: Free entry

25. Bloemenmarkt (Singel, 1071 AZ)
Amsterdam’s biggest flower market.
Price: Free entry

26. Boekenmarkt (Oudemanhuispoort)
The city’s largest market for books from encyclopaedias to nonfiction literature.
Price: Free entry

27. Noordermarkt (Noordermarkt, 1015 MV)
An organic farmer’s market.
Price: Free entry

28. Dappermarkt (Dapperstraat, 1093 BK)
The city’s cheapest market displaying a range of goods from food to clothes.
Price: Free entry

29. Marqt – (Overtoom 21-25, 1054 HD)
Amsterdam’s largest farmer’s market.
Price: Free entry

30. Postzegelmarkt (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 280, 1012 RL)
A collectors’ market featuring collectable items from stamps to old coins.
Price: Free entry

31. Waterlooplein (Waterlooplein, 1011 PG)
A daily flea market near the Amstel River.
Price: Free entry

32. Westerstraat market (Westerstraat, 1015 ML)
The best market to go to for textiles and clothes.
Price: Free entry

Other attractions:

33. The Amsterdam Dungeon (Rokin 78 – 1012 KW)
Great for kids, this venue tells of the city’s gruesome history through a number of skits and special effects.
Price: From €12.50-15.50 (Children under 4 are free)
http://www.thedungeons.com/amsterdam/nl/

34. Artis Royal Zoo (Plantage Kerklaan 38-40 – 1018 CZ)
The country’s first and largest zoo, the Aquarium, Bird House and Butterfly Pavilion are amongst some of the main attractions.
Price: From €3-14.50
http://www.artis.nl/

35. Science Centre NEMO (Oosterdok 2 – 1011 VX)
The largest science centre in the Netherlands, this children’s museum aims to teach kids about both science and technology via a number of fun activities and displays.
Price: € 13.50 (Children under 4 are free)
http://www.e-nemo.nl/

36. Pannenkoekenboot/Pancake Boat Dinner Cruise (ms. van Riemsdijkweg t/o 38 – 1033 RC)
A two-and-a-half hour evening cruise along the coastline, there’s also an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner, which includes as many authentic Dutch pancakes as you’d like!
Price: From €18.50-23.50 (Children under 3 are free)
http://www.pannenkoekenboot.nl/

37. Koninklijk Paleis/Royal Palace (Dam – 1012 JS)
Amsterdam’s main palace, which dates back to the Dutch Golden Age in the 1600s.
Price: €10 (Children under 18 are free)
http://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/

38. Madame Tussaud Amsterdam (Dam 20 – 1012 NP)
Amsterdam’s only wax museum showcasing a range of celebs from around the world.
Price: From €13-22 (Children under 5 are free)
http://www.madametussauds.nl

39. Friday Night Skate (Tolstraat 190 – 1074 VN)
A 20km free rollerblading tour of Amsterdam, which takes place every Friday.
Price: Free
http://www.fridaynightskate.com/index.php?lang=en

40. TunFun Indoor Playground (Mr. Visserplein 7 – 1011 RD)
An indoor playground for children featuring a range of activities including trampolines, a bowling alley and other child-friendly obstacles.
Price: €8.50 (Under 1s and adults are free)
http://www.tunfun.nl/